20 Scandi kitchen ideas to channel a cool, calm and clutter-free cooking space

We often look to Scandinavia for inspiration on how to live better and it's no different when it comes to home design. A kitchen can be a busy, cluttered space but with the help of Scandi kitchen ideas, you can turn it into a modern, organised room filled with light.

Scandi-style kitchen ideas bring to mind crisp white walls, pale wooden worktops, clean lines and minimal fuss. And with an influx of warmth through accessories and materials, they never feel cold but instead feel like a hub of the home.

As with any kitchen trend, Scandi kitchen ideas are always evolving. Here's whats big right now, to help inspire a soothing Scandi scheme for your own kitchen.

1. Pick plywood

Scandi-inspired plywood kitchens have been a huge trend this year, offering a simple and sleek kitchen design that also doesn't break the bank.

While gloss kitchens were, in previous years, the marker of modernity, attention is now turning to wood tones that are simple, pared-back and warm. Plywood units will help keep the costs down for your kitchen renovation without compromising on contemporary style .

2. Stick to a white colour palette

You can't go wrong with white kitchen ideas when creating your own Scandi-style kitchen. 'For Scandinavian kitchen interiors, a cool light colour palette is advised to create a sense of purity and calmness,' says Darren Watts, design director, Wren Kitchens.

This makes it perfect for making the most out of smaller spaces. Add warmth to the space by pairing the white with wooden and copper accents. In a small kitchen, space is at a premium so make the most of every inch with open shelves for everyday items above the sink, as seen in this kitchen.

3. Soften the look with sheepskin

Over the last few years, the kitchen has become the key sitting room in our homes. It often doubles up as a home office, it's where the kids do their homework and it's where we catch up at the end of the day.

Tactile materials like a sheepskin blanket draped effortlessly over bench seating will stop the kitchen from feeling too 'kitcheny' in the evening when you want to relax over dinner. The textural and tonal contrast between the warm wood tones and off-white sheepskin and the modern furniture also feels very Scandi.

4. Layer chopping boards

'When looking to have a Scandi style in your kitchen you want to focus on warmth,' says Tash Bradley, Lick’s director of interior design.

'Look to incorporate a warm wood contrasted with a contemporary darker metal feature as this combination instantly gives off a Scandi feel. This can be done through simple additions such as chunky wooden chopping boards and Kilner jars with a black metal clasp for example. For a Scandi colour palette I’d always suggest a light colour scheme, such as soft beiges, whites and subtle greens.'

5. Free up wall space to display art and sculptural branches

Scandi-style kitchens are calm and uncluttered. Rethink things so you that have a wall free of upper cabinets to create a real sense of space. Interiors expert Laurence Llewelyn Bowen says removing wall units and having more space for wallpaper and hanging pictures will make the kitchen feel more homely. 

'Stop thinking about the kitchen as something that needs to be kept perpetually clean, like it's an operating theatre, and start thinking about it as somewhere that needs to be the background for some of the most lovely moments that you're going to have,' he says.

6. Bring warmth with exposed brick

Scandi interiors are full of warmth, providing inviting indoor spaces in which to find refuge against the cold and long winters of the region. Exposed brick (or a realistic wallpaper equivalent) will bring character and texture to warm things up, preventing your scheme from looking cold. Throwing down a washable rug and displaying rough handcrafted stoneware on worktops will also make the space feel homely, hygge and nourishing.

7. Display items you use everyday

Nordic countries are famous for their minimalistic and streamlined style. However, this couldn't be achieved without a few clever storage solutions. Keep worktops clear with shelves and hanging racks.

Shelves are a great way to store items that you use every day like crockery, or tea and coffee caddies. Hang mugs and chopping boards from a rail for easy access when you need them.

Hanging cooking utensils on a rack beside the hob is an easy way to give your kitchen a more homely feel and it'll free up space inside kitchen cupboards, too. The same goes for a ceiling rack for hanging up pots and pans.

8. Embrace neutrals

At the core of Scandi kitchen ideas is the theme of neutral spaces. Stick to a restrained colour palette for a sophisticated and Nordic inspired theme.

Tonal shades will add interest to the look without adding jarring colourways to take it away from the Scandi style. This will keep it chic and neatly in line with stylish modern kitchen ideas.

9. Hide clutter in floor to ceiling cabinets

Floor-to-ceiling cabinets are a genius way of hiding clutter that can gather on kitchen counters. Invest in a cabinet with space to hide a microwave, kettle, coffee machine and other gadgets that clutter up worktops. Some cabinets have hidden worktops in that you can set up as a breakfast station.

You simply open them up when morning rolls around and close them behind you as you dash out on the school run.

10. Combine woods and black shades

For the most contemporary take on Scandi kitchen ideas, go for a combination of strong, linear blacks and natural woods. Although technically opposites in terms of style, the two marry together beautifully and perfectly combine the modern vibes of Nordic living with the back to nature vibes of the area's history.

11. Bring the outside in

Scandi kitchen ideas - and, for that matter, Scandi style in general, celebrates the beauty of nature. Make this work in your space by bringing as much of the outdoors into your home. It'll boost light levels, too, making it perfect for even small kitchen ideas. Plant in your garden strategically, so you're looking out at abundant greenery and textures.

Inside, reflect this with pale green touches on cabinetry and, of course, fresh flowers and foliage.

12. Make it sociable

Nordic homes are inherently inviting and sociable spaces. In your kitchen, you want to create a room where everyone feels welcome and one way to achieve this is through seating.

Include bar stools at your kitchen island ideas so guests can gather around while you cook. A dining table gives even more seating, making sure the space is inclusive to everyone.

13. Let the light in

Scandi summers are full of light, while the winters have very little sunshine, so their homes are designed to let in as much light as possible year round. Take this on in your kitchen by opting for a glass-topped side return, or row of skylights. The back of the kitchen could have sliding or bifold glass doors.

Mirrored and glass surfaces are a welcome addition, to help bounce around even the lowest of light sources.

14. Make a feature of glass storage jars

Simple Scandi kitchen ideas include making a feature of the everyday essentials, as shown above. Add interest to open kitchen shelving ideas by decanting dried goods, such as flour, pasta and rice, into clip-top glass jars and lining them up on a shelf.

Storing fruit and veg in natural hessian baskets is an affordable way to add relaxed country style to your kitchen. Try adding colour by growing herbs in zinc pots, too.

15. Cast a warm glow with pendant lighting

Light is incredibly important in Nordic design due to the long dark winter days. Scandinavians tend to create pools of light with low hanging pendant lights. Be playful with your kitchen lighting ideas with a slick design or splash of colour like these lovely pale turquoise shades. They will be at eye level, after all. Muted blues and greens are oh-so Scandi.

16. Make space for a dinner table

Gathering together for meals as a family is incredibly important in Scandinavian culture. Make space for a dining table or breakfast bar to ensure the kitchen is the heart of the home.

A dining area is also a great space to add warmth through texture and colour. Opt for a wooden table, soft furnishings and fresh flowers to add depth to open-plan kitchen ideas.

17. Try two tone cabinets for a designer look

While most Scandinavian design relies on a muted colour palette, don't be afraid to add personality with a splash of colour. 'If colour is a must in your home, look to pale greys, pinks or blues but use these sparingly for maximum impact,' advises Hayley from Magnet.

Stick to a simple colour palette that highlights the design like in this kitchen. The two-tone cabinets emphasise the clean lines rather than detracting from it.

18. Add metallic accents

Metallic accents – especially copper – will add warmth to a minimal white kitchen colour schemes. When working with a limited colour scheme play with textures, shapes and finishes. You'll earn extra style points if you invest in some copper pans, both practical and pretty.

19. Accessorise with houseplants

House plant ideas are a great way to soften the functionality of the space. 'Don't be afraid to accessorise with textured placemats, wall hangings or rugs in the kitchen,' says Hayley from Magnet.

'Complete the look with some fresh flowers, houseplants or potted herbs for another nod to nature that's typical of Scandinavian style.'

20. Work in subtle pastels

If you want to add colour to your all-white scheme choose diluted colours that feel soft alongside the neutral base of white. Pastels are the perfect pairing, from baby blue and mint green to powder pink, adding a subtle accent colour without overpowering the effortlessly simple ethos of Scandi styling.

FAQs

What is a Scandi kitchen?

The idea that 'form follows function' is fundamental to Scandi design, so Scandi kitchens are full of practical solutions that look great. They have plenty of storage hidden away behind sleek cabinetry, rustic tables and wishbone chairs for gathering around and touches of comfort like a small area rug.

Stephany Smith, a home improvement and interior expert at Fantastic Services explains it combines clean lines, a bright ambience, and natural materials. 'Every design element should relate first to its intended function and then its aesthetics,' she says. 

Layout is an important element of Scandi kitchen ideas. To stick with the Scandinavian design movement, aim for an open-plan kitchen with plenty of space for the family to gather. If you only have a small kitchen layout to work with, you can still replicate this effect by introducing other elements of Scandinavian design, such as a muted colour palette and clever storage solutions to make the space feel bright and organised.

How do you style a Scandi kitchen?

'When styling Scandi kitchen ideas, less is more,' says Hayley from Magnet. 'Keep countertops decluttered and let textures and textiles do the talking to really embrace the minimalist way of life.'

Hayley suggests styling a kitchen with simple and natural objects like fresh flowers, textured placemats, wall hangings and houseplants. A mug hanger attached to the wall is another great way to add a touch of personality to the kitchen. Try Denby Pottery if you fancy investing in some beautiful new mugs in muted colours.

Just be careful not to go overboard, the beauty of a Scandinavian design is its simplicity. You don't want to overwhelm the kitchen with clutter.

The final touch is lighting. 'Throughout the winter months, the days in the northern hemisphere are extremely short, with only a few hours of daylight,' explains Darren from Wren Kitchens. 'Unsurprisingly, the use of light is very important in Nordic design, with many interiors focusing on creating bright, well-lit spaces.'

Opt for pendant lights over a kitchen island to cast a cosy glow over the entire kitchen. In small kitchens, cleverly placed lights on shelves will also work a treat.

What is a Japandi kitchen?

A Japandi kitchen takes the best of Japanese Zen minimalism and Scandinavian hygge to create a space that feels modern but cosy, casual and serene, says interiors expert Stephany Smith. It has lots of natural materials, an absence of clutter and a tranquil, grounding feel.

'The Japandi colour palette consists of warm neutrals. This design choice serves the same purpose as it does in Scandi interiors, to bring more light into the space during the dark and cold months when there isn’t much of it,' says Stephany.